Love bacon? Drink bourbon? Lovers of both can pig out while sampling each of America's favorite food and drink in Delray Beach this weekend.
The inaugural Bacon & Bourbon Fest is going down all weekend, starting Saturday, March 28 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, at Old School Square Park in the city's downtown area.
Both days, festival-goers can taste-test all types of bacon-based dishes, and wash down all that porky goodness with a full liquor bar, more than 20 bourbon selections available for tastings, and a number of specialty cocktails made just for the event.
The party planners behind the Bacon & Bourbon Fest are none other than the Festival Management Group (FMG) — the same team that organizes a number of food-focused festivals including the city's annual Garlic Fest and Wine and Seafood Festival.
Don't expect a similar experience, however. Although the concept seems analogous to the Garlic Fest, which features a number of garlic-infused food items, the Bacon & Bourbon Fest will be a more intimate (and adult-oriented) event, says FMG representatives. Expect around 4,000 people per day — compared to the 20,000 seen on average at Garlic Fest — and fewer children thanks to a fairly hefty focus on adult beverages.
The most impressive festival feature will be the 80-feet worth of food vendors offering everything from Dr. Pepper and bourbon glazed pork belly and pork parfait, to bacon cheddar bratwurst and deep-fried bacon ice cream. Participating vendors include Boston's on the Beach, 50 Ocean, South Beach Grill, Florida Pizza Company, and Carefree Catering.
There will also be a bacon bar where you can find bacon strips served up five different ways, sticks priced at $2 each (or an assortment of 5 for $8) offering sweet takes like caramel-almond and chocolate-peanut-dipped, to more savory selections like pecan-rosemary and BBQ.
Tickets to the main event cost $25 per person, which includes $10 of coupons toward food and drink, as well as access to the live music performances featuring several blues bands. If you'd prefer a more private dining experience, tickets are still available for several exclusive specialty seminars and tastings, which feature local chefs.
To purchase tickets, call 561-279-0907, or visit
delraybaconandbourbonfest.com.
Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole, or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.
